Week Starting – November 22, 2024 Note: To attract PCA’s to Consumer Job Searches, the following link http://edlitcher.hypermart.net/ListofAvailableJobs.txt has been added to both Craigslist Advertisements https://newyork.craigslist.org See the recently modified advertisement. Search: (consumerdirectedservices) - in Jobs – for the PCA Advertisement Search: (consumerdirectedservices) - in Services – for the Consumer Advertisement Hopefully this will help. Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) Scope and Procedures https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/publications/adm/11adm6.htm List of CDPAP Provider Contract Awardees https://www.health.ny.gov/funding/rfo/20039/docs/awardees_names_and_counties.pdf Intro Statement – Pages 01 Important Announcement Re: Dr. Augusta Alba – Page 3 Consumer Listing – Pages 04 PCA Information – Pages 07 PCA Candidates – Page 08 Articles – Pages 13 Finding a New PCA - DIA Information -Page 18 Able News – Page 19 Independent Living Centers – Page 20 Alternative Resources - Page 21 Find My (FI) - Questions to consider when changing your (FI) CDPAP Provider - Page 22 On September 16, 2013, the New York State Department of State accepted the Certificate of Incorporation submitted by Consumer Directed Services, Inc. under section 404 of the Not-for-Profit Law. A certificate that included the following statement: We are pilgrims on a journey; we are travelers on the road. We are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load. Excerpt from - The Servant Song- Richard Gillard (1974) To assist Consumers with the problem of finding new Personal Care Assistants, Consumer Directed Services, Inc. created a FREE Employment Information Bridge between Consumers and Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Candidates. Consumers / Advocates To search for a PCA Candidate, complete the form at the following link Consumer / Advocate - Search for a PCA Candidate. When your information is received it will be enrolled in the email database, and posted on the website for a month, distributed to all of the members of the Consumer Directed Services database (Consumers, PCA Candidates, and a variety of other Employment Resources), and published in the Consumer Directed Services Newsletter for a month. To just add your information to the Consumer Directed Services database, a Consumer or Advocate need only send me an email to elitcher@consumerdirectedservices.com and include your name and the text Newsletter Request. When your information is received it will be enrolled in the email database and you will begin receiving future issues of the Consumer Directed Services Newsletter and other emails related to the program's goal. Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Candidates To include your information in the Newsletter and email database, complete the form at the following link: Look for a PCA Job (FREE) - New York City Metro. When your information is received, your information will be published in the Newsletter for a month, and you will begin receiving future issues of the Consumer Directed Services Newsletter and other emails related to the program's goal. Also, to access our list of Currently Available Jobs, please use the following link: JOBS Previously distributed Newsletters have been archived on the Consumer Directed Services home page. Finally, if you have any questions, comments, or recommendations about this service, or should you wish to remove your address from this list, please contact send an email to elitcher@consumerdirectedservices.com. Best Regards Ed Litcher Dr. Augusta Alba It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved colleague and friend, Dr. Augusta Alba. She passed away on November 5, 2024 (having celebrated her 100th birthday in October 2024). As the former Chief of Rehabilitation Services at Coler-Goldwater for multiple decades, Dr. Alba’s medical career centered on polio survivors who required breathing assistance. Her dedication to solving the respiratory insufficiency problems of polio patients led her to master every piece of ventilator equipment and technique—the rocking bed, chest cuirass, frog breathing and noninvasive ventilation. Dr. Alba always sought to educate both her colleagues and polio survivors about the importance of appropriate equipment and personal assistance. In addition to co-authoring many seminal medical articles on the respiratory topic, her lectures and publications reflect a life-long body of work focused on assisting the respiratory-disabled patient to live the most independent life possible. Dr. Alba was a champion of person-centered care to her patients, residents, colleagues, and team members. She was an extraordinary, larger-than-life individual who had had a profound impact on the lives of many. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Alba’s family and loved ones. Sincerely, Stephen Stephen J. Catullo, MBA, LNHA Chief Executive Officer NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler 900 Main Street New York, NY 10044 Consumers Searching Consumers Wanted: For an Employment Information Bridge to work it requires traffic to flow in both directions. If you are in a Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, you will eventually need to find a new Home Care Worker. And up to now you may have relied upon Friends, Family, an Agency or you may have chosen to put your own advertisement on the Internet (See the list of Internet resources on the PCA Employment Agency page of this newsletter). Therefore, to help you find the PCA Candidate of your choice, I urge you, to do everything you ordinarily do, to consider an Internet resource and to try www.ConsumerDirectedServices.com. Finally, if you try Consumer Directed Services, please spread the word. Tell your friends and associates about this FREE service. Brenda Posner () on Friday, November 22, 2024 at 14:33:55 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Public E-mail: bposner15@gmail.com Consumer Age: Between 51 and 70 Consumer Gender: Male Payroll Method: Agency Type of Candidates: Personal Care / Home Health Candidate Experience: Quadriplegia, Wheelchairs, Lifters, Languages Description of Languages: English Required Documentation: Social Security Number, Proof of Identity Days: 3.5 Description of Schedule: Thursday afternoon, Friday through Sunday Comments: 40 hours weekly paid through CDPAP approximately $22 an hour for Thursday afternoon through Sunday Alexander Herald () on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 15:35:58 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neighborhood Name: Williamsburg City, Town, County or Borough: Brooklyn Available Transportation: Tramway, Subway, Bus, Train Phone: 929-461-4594 E-mail: Alex13350926@gmail.com Email Authorization: Yes Consumer Age: Between 31 and 50 Consumer Gender: Male Payroll Method: Agency Type of Candidates: Personal Care / Home Health Candidate Experience: Paraplegia, Quadriplegia Preferred Candidate Gender: No Preference Required Documentation: Social Security Number, Proof of Identity Hours: 12 Days: 2 Start Time: 8 a.m. Pay Per Hour: 18 Joann Vitiello () on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 14:13:04 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neighborhood Name: Coney Island City, Town, County or Borough: Brooklyn, NY Available Transportation: Subway, Bus, Train, Auto Phone: 718-372-8425 Best Time: 11am -5pm E-mail: joseann1724@gmail.com Email Authorization: Yes Consumer Age: Older than 70 Consumer Gender: Female Payroll Method: Agency Type of Candidates: Personal Care / Home Health Candidate Experience: Seniors, Wheelchairs, Languages Description of Languages: English Preferred Candidate Gender: Female Required Documentation: Social Security Number, Proof of Identity, Recommendations Hours: 12 Days: 2&3 Start Time: 8am -8pm Description of Schedule: 12 hours day or night Pay Per Hour: $20 &20.50 Comments: Must be able to lift from bed to wheelchair and from wheelchair to bed, transfer from wheelchair to toilet, from manual wheelchair to motorized, household chores, personal care, accompanying Consumer on errands. Geri () on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 13:41:56 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- City, Town, County or Borough: Armonk, NY Phone: 914-273-5045 landline Best Time: 1:00-5:00 E-mail: Libragm22@aol.com Email Authorization: Yes Consumer Age: Between 51 and 70 Consumer Gender: Female Payroll Method: Agency Type of Candidates: Personal Care / Home Health Candidate Experience: Seniors, Paraplegia, Amputation, Wheelchairs, Languages Description of Languages: English Preferred Candidate Gender: Female Required Documentation: Social Security Number, Proof of Identity, Recommendations Hours: 12 Days: 3 Description of Schedule: Looking to fill 2-3 12 hrs. shifts per week, especially Saturday night or Sunday day shift Pay Per Hour: 20 Comments: PA needs transportation to Armonk, NY and must have driver’s license; needs to be able to lift PCA Information Consumer Directed Services is not an Agency and makes no representation (positive or negative) regarding the appropriateness of any PCA Candidate, or the terms and conditions of any employment relationship. All employment and payment decisions are the exclusive responsibility of the Consumer. Although there is no specific training, certification or licensure prerequisite, beyond that required or provided by the Consumer, if you are seeking employment from a Consumer who is receiving their service authorization from a New York State Medicaid funded Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, the Consumer is permitted to consider your employment only if you can pass ALL of the following New York State reviews. 1. You are an adult of at least 18 years of age. 2. The Consumer is not your spouse or (if the Consumer is younger then 21) is not your child. 3. You do not live in the home of the Consumer (unless their service requires it). 4. You are not the Designated Representative (Surrogate) of the Consumer. 5. You do not have any financial control over the Consumer. 6. Your information must pass a Federal and State Government Exclusion List Review. 7 You have a verifiable Social Security number and the qualified documents needed to prove that you are eligible to work in the United States. The State of New York also requires each Personal Care Assistant to complete a Health Assessment BEFORE you begin work. The Health Assessment includes: - A basic physical exam - blood pressure, height, weight, etc. - A TB (Tuberculosis) Screen (PPD) or a chest x-ray if the test is positive or if the test would not be appropriate - A Measles and Rubella Screen or Vaccine - A drug test of Urine (forensic toxicology) - Documentation of vaccination against influenza, or wearing of a surgical or procedure mask during the influenza season In addition to the above New York State requirements, the municipality in which the Consumer lives may also impose additional health assessments or legal reviews. The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program your Consumer chooses will require the completion of a Memorandum of Understanding (Consumer / Personal Care Assistant Agreement) to clarify the employment relationship, and they may require other documents to help them effectively complete their role as the Consumers Fiscal Intermediary. PCA Candidates Shushana McFarlane () on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 13:40:29 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: 89-25 Parsons Boulevard, Jamaica, New York 11432 Phone: 929-369-1995 Best Time: 10-6 E-mail: shushana.m@gmail.com Email Authorization: Yes Gender: Female Type of Position: Other Type of Position Description of Other Type of Position: Home Health/Home Making Worked with a CDPAP Consumer/Surrogate: No Enrolled with a CDPAP: No Experience: Seniors, Wheelchairs, Lifters, Mental Impairments / Alzheimer's Disease, Visual / Auditory Impairments, Special Diets, Other Description of Special Diets: no salts, gluten, no oil, etc. Description of Other: Parkinson's Disease patients Can pass the New York State Review: Yes Had a Health Assessment in the past 12 months: Yes Have or can get a copy of my recent Health Assessment: Yes Other Documentation Available: Proof of Identity, Recommendations Certificate/License: Driver's License Hours per Week: 40 Days per Week: 5 Preferred Start Time: 9am Days I Would Like to Work: Wed/Thru/Fri/Sat/Sun/ I am willing to work a 24 Hour Sleep-In schedule: Yes - Thurs - Sun Target Salary Per Hour: 25 Target Salary Per Day: 200 Target Salary Per Week: 1000 Alex Stein () on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 10:28:17 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, NY Phone: 973-856-5566 E-mail: alexchandlerstein@gmail.com Gender: Male Type of Position: Personal Care / Home Health Worked with a CDPAP Consumer/Surrogate: No Enrolled with a CDPAP: No Can pass the New York State Review: Yes Had a Health Assessment in the past 12 months: Yes Have or can get a copy of my recent Health Assessment: Yes Other Documentation Available: Proof of Identity, Recommendations Certificate/License: Driver's License Comments: Hi there I'd love to be considered for HHA / PCA training and positions. A little about me… my background is in education and hospitality, but I’m interested in changing career paths and working in the healthcare sector. While I do not have a medical background, I am currently taking courses in biology and physiology/anatomy, and I have plenty of experience working closely with others and providing care & support in fast-paced environments. Furthermore, I’m a quick learner and a great communicator with a strong attention to detail. I'd love to chat more about the position and hear exactly what you're looking for! Many thanks and Warm regards Alex Stein Jasmen Johnson () on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 04:22:45 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: 299 Sickles Ave Phone: 347-859-9330 Best Time: Any E-mail: neashall30@gmail.com Email Authorization: Yes Gender: Female Type of Position: Personal Care / Home Health Worked with a CDPAP Consumer/Surrogate: Yes Consumer/Surrogate References Available: Yes Years Employed with a Consumer/Surrogate: 2 years Enrolled with a CDPAP: No Experience: Young Adults, Seniors, Quadriplegia, Ventilators, Wheelchairs, Lifters, Other Equipment, Mental Impairments / Alzheimer's Disease, Visual / Auditory Impairments Description of Languages: English Can pass the New York State Review: Yes Had a Health Assessment in the past 12 months: Yes Have or can get a copy of my recent Health Assessment: Yes Other Documentation Available: Proof of Identity Certificate/License: Personal Care, Other Hours per Week: 40 Days per Week: 5 Preferred Start Time: 9 Target Salary Per Hour: 20 SIRREA MCPHERSON () on Friday, October 25, 2024 at 19:51:16 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Phone: 914-720-5008 Best Time: MORNING E-mail: SM7205008@YAHOO.COM Gender: Female Type of Position: Personal Care / Home Health Description of Other Type of Position: PHLEBOTOMIST / EKG Worked with a CDPAP Consumer/Surrogate: Yes Years Employed with a Consumer/Surrogate: YES Enrolled with a CDPAP: Yes CDPAP Agency Name(s): FREEDOM CARE NY Experience: Teens, Young Adults, Seniors, Paraplegia, Quadriplegia, Amputation, Wheelchairs, Lifters, Other Equipment, Visual / Auditory Impairments, Special Diets, Languages Description of Languages: ENGLISH Can pass the New York State Review: Yes Had a Health Assessment in the past 12 months: Yes Have or can get a copy of my recent Health Assessment: Yes Other Documentation Available: Proof of Identity Certificate/License: Personal Care, Driver's License Target Salary Per Hour: 25.00 Margarita Quezada () on Friday, October 25, 2024 at 15:49:03 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: 62-59 108 Street E-mail: elizabeth.ibarra@ymail.com Gender: Female Type of Position: Personal Care / Home Health Worked with a CDPAP Consumer/Surrogate: Yes Consumer/Surrogate References Available: Yes Years Employed with a Consumer/Surrogate: 4yrs Enrolled with a CDPAP: Yes CDPAP Agency Name(s): Special touch homecare Experience: Seniors Description of Languages: Spanish Can pass the New York State Review: Yes Had a Health Assessment in the past 12 months: Yes Have or can get a copy of my recent Health Assessment: No Other Documentation Available: Proof of Identity Hours per Week: 12hr Preferred Start Time: 9am Days I Would Like to Work: Monday Friday Saturday Target Salary Per Hour: 19.15 Comments: I did a HHA course in 2009 but the certificate is expired. I only accompany an elder for 3 nights and that is the only reference I can present and I am currently working in the CDPAP program with my mom for 4 yrs. Samantha Carter () on Friday, October 25, 2024 at 12:16:33 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: 24 West 111th Street NY Phone: 917-460-5933 E-mail: Manthaworld@gmail.com Email Authorization: Yes Gender: Female Type of Position: Personal Care / Home Health Worked with a CDPAP Consumer/Surrogate: No Enrolled with a CDPAP: No Experience: Children, Teens, Young Adults, Seniors, Mental Impairments / Alzheimer's Disease, Special Diets Can pass the New York State Review: Yes Had a Health Assessment in the past 12 months: Yes Have or can get a copy of my recent Health Assessment: Yes Other Documentation Available: Proof of Identity, Recommendations Hours per Week: 35 Days per Week: 5 Preferred Start Time: 9am Days I Would Like to Work: Monday-Friday I am willing to work a 24 Hour Sleep-In schedule: No Target Salary Per Hour: 20 Comments: I have 11 years of CNA/caregiving experience. Keisha Blake () on Monday, October 21, 2024 at 20:53:38 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: 2139 Glebe Ave Bronx NY10462 Phone: 347-340-0252 Best Time: Any E-mail: Keishablake1978@icloud.com Email Authorization: Yes Gender: Female Type of Position: Personal Care / Home Health Worked with a CDPAP Consumer/Surrogate: Yes Consumer/Surrogate References Available: Yes Years Employed with a Consumer/Surrogate: 7 Enrolled with a CDPAP: Yes CDPAP Agency Name(s): Marquis home care concepts of independence Experience: Young Adults, Seniors, Wheelchairs, Mental Impairments / Alzheimer's Disease, Visual / Auditory Impairments Description of Languages: English Can pass the New York State Review: Yes Had a Health Assessment in the past 12 months: Yes Have or can get a copy of my recent Health Assessment: Yes Other Documentation Available: Proof of Identity Certificate/License: Home Health Aid Hours per Week: 40 Days per Week: 5 Preferred Start Time: 9am Days I Would Like to Work: Monday to Friday I am willing to work a 24 Hour Sleep-In schedule: So days Target Salary Per Hour: 20 Target Salary Per Week: 600 Comments: I have been working as an aide for the past 23 years I have lots of experience in the health care field. I’m a very flexible worker. I enjoy working with the elderly Articles Related to the CDPAP Home care supplier: New York state needs more time for Medicaid changes By Kate Lisa New York State October 17, 2024 One of four regional subcontractors helping to administer changes to a Medicaid home care program in the coming months said Thursday that New York lawmakers need to delay the April 1 deadline when they return to Albany next year. The state is forging ahead to change the $9 billion Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program under Medicaid, which more than 250,000 New Yorkers rely on for home care, in under six months. Pushback is growing for that timeline to be extended to change the program — including from companies partnering with the state to manage it. "The timeline needs to be realistic," said Anthony Caputo, CEO of the nonprofit Concepts of Independence. "...Seeing and learning from what has happened in other states that have much smaller programs, it's going to be difficult." The state Health Department is negotiating with Public Partnerships LLC to finalize a five-year, multi-billion-dollar contract for the company to take over CDPAP by mid-2025 — down from over 600 – to cut back on widespread fraud and abuse. Concepts of Independence, which serves home care recipients in the Hudson Valley, is one of four core regional home care suppliers partnering with the state to assist PPL in the transition. Current state law mandates that the other FIs must shutter by April 1. "I've spoken to state senators about this, and to make this happen, they're going to have to extend the time," Caputo said. "The Senate, the Assembly and the governor are going to have to agree to extend that period of time so there is a smooth transition. ...I hope they open the window for another year." Last week, eight people involved in the state's CDPAP were federally indicted, accused of defrauding $68 million through the program. Gov. Kathy Hochul has touted the indictment as proof that consolidating the program is the right move and will reduce program abuse and make it more financially viable. "This was a process that was managed by our Department of Health, and for those trying to undermine the decision-making process of these professionals, these public servants, I resent that," Hochul told reporters in Albany on Thursday. "One only needs to look at the genesis of why we took on this issue. States like California, with double our population, have one fiscal intermediary to manage this program." Caputo, who penned an op-ed Thursday supporting the program changes, said Concepts of Independence started CDPAP in the state in 1980 to serve about 100 disabled New Yorkers. The state program has skyrocketed to the nation's largest — growing from $2.5 billion annually in 2015 up to the current $9 billion price. "The contract will be finalized very soon," representatives with PPL said in a statement Thursday. "We are prepared to execute the transition by April 1. If the Department of Health changes the timeline, we will accommodate their decision." The powerful health workers union 1199 SEIU has an agreement with PPL that the company will not interfere with workers as they make a decision to unionize under the new agreement. "We're looking forward to working with them, to both implementing the single FI and help the workers make the decision if they want to be represented by the union, but we didn't have a dog in the race about who will get the contract," 1199SEIU Interim Political Director Helen Schaub said. Union leaders with Home Health Care Workers of America, representing the largest number of health care workers in the state, continue to be skeptical that the changes will reduce fraud. Advocates have criticized PPL's history of mismanagement and losing contracts in other states. Connor Shaw, the union's political director, is pushing for the state to transition CDPAP recipients to be reliant on traditional home care, which has more safeguards built in. "This is not new or shocking that this program was being exploited," Shaw said. "For years, you couldn't ride the subway without seeing advertisements that said 'Get paid to take care of your mom.' "There's more sensible ways to address the aging care population. Bad actors have entered the industry because there's no regulation," he added. "The solution to this is not allowing one FI that has had issues in other states, it's to have more regulation and guardrails, and that's what exists in traditional home care." Representatives with Hochul's administration said too many FIs do not comply with federal electronic filing and verification requirements, and PPL's billing system uses the federal system created under the 21st Century Cures Act. “Anyone concerned about this should be pleased with our plan to strengthen CDPAP, since the state can now use its contractual oversight to ensure the program operates in compliance with Electronic Visit Verification," a spokesperson with Hochul's office said Thursday. Caputo said New York transitioning to a single FI is the correct move, but only with proper communication with all CDPAP workers and recipients. "It is going to work," Caputo said. "But information must go out sooner than later." Every worker must have documented medical exams and other paperwork digitized in the transition, but Caputo said some workers do not have an email address and must be tracked down in person. Officials with the state Health Department met this week concerned with independent living centers, which will also serve as program subcontractors. "They weren't even getting information," he said. "We all need to sit down at the table. There needs to be stakeholder meetings with consumers and stakeholders, potential FIs and local (Department of Social Security) so we can all answer each other's questions. It is going to be a large task, and it's going to take more time to do it properly." Several lawmakers have expressed concerns about the quick change, even though they voted for the budget that established it in state law. Lawmakers this winter plan to probe the effectiveness of the transition during legislative budget hearings to determine how the timeline should be altered. The change in the last budget was negotiated last minute behind closed doors, and without typical oversight by the state comptroller. State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald has said the timeline could be flexible, but New York's competitive bidding process was done correctly. Opinion: CDPAP is here to stay in NY. A new partnership will benefit us all Anthony Caputo Special to the USA TODAY Network October 17, 2024 As the leader of a non-profit organization that helped to pioneer consumer directed home care over 40 years ago, I’ve watched this issue become a subject of passionate discussion in recent months across New York. The topic is our state’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program — commonly known as CDPAP — and some understandable confusion about the program’s future for the approximately 250,000 New Yorkers who rely on it for home care. But despite what you might have heard recently, I have good news: the truth is that CDPAP is here to stay — and it’s getting stronger. I know this because our non-profit organization, Concepts of Independence, is part of a new statewide partnership that, pending final approval, will include more than 30 regional and community-based groups that are joining forces in a unified effort to make CDPAP even better and more effective for New Yorkers who need it. Under a plan that was first approved by Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Legislature earlier this year and then further advanced in an announcement last week, this diverse and experienced statewide partnership is prepared to ensure that home care users and their caregivers across New York are protected now and in the future. And our partnership is taking time to make sure it gets done right. This plan isn’t taking effect overnight — and there will be months of preparation for this transition, through mid-2025. More specifically, Concepts of Independence is one of four core regional partners working with PPL, our statewide partner, to help deliver high-quality service. While we will continue to serve consumers throughout all of our current New York counties, our organization will lead CDPAP efforts in the Hudson Valley area — including Rockland, Dutchess, Putnam and the surrounding counties. Three other core regional partners will lead efforts in other areas of the state. As a core regional partner, we’ll also be working closely with a number of community-based partners who have also been operating within CDPAP in New York for many years. Our community-based partners will help us ensure that we deliver the personalized, multilingual and culturally sensitive care that home care users and their families deserve. Why is cultural competency so important when it comes to home care? It ensures that personal assistants and other stakeholders can communicate effectively with individuals from different backgrounds and with various abilities. Meeting individuals where they are is vital, too – both physically and linguistically. Communication can be a major barrier for vulnerable individuals receiving care as they may struggle to accurately convey their care needs. Concepts of Independence has an extensive workforce tailored to support these cultural and linguistic priorities to help consumers advocate and navigate for their unique needs. Last week’s announcement on CDPAP is the start of a transition process over the coming months that will be focused on discussing issues like this directly with home care users, caregivers and advocates. Alongside PPL, our leadership team will be connecting with CDPAP stakeholders every step of the way. I am confident that once we proceed through that transition process, our statewide partnership will deliver a stronger CDPAP for New Yorkers. Why? Because at organizations like ours, consumer directed home care is in our DNA – and it’s part of what makes us proud to be New Yorkers. We’d never let a program like CDPAP fail for the people who need it. Anthony Caputo is CEO of Concepts of Independence – a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose only purpose is to administer the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) in New York State. Finding a New PCA United Spinal Association, https://unitedspinal.org/ Best tips and strategies for finding and hiring a PCA. https://unitedspinal.org/best-tips-and-strategies-for-finding-and-hiring-pcas/ Annie Streit, Grassroots Advocacy Manager, Aug 23, 2023 How to Secure Housing and Manage PCA Services at College https://newmobility.com/how-to-secure-housing-and-manage-pca-services-at-college/ Annie Tulkin, March 29, 2022 Managing Personal Assistants: A Consumer Guide https://pva.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/persasstfc6d.pdf Paralyzed Veterans of America, 2000 Disabled in Action of Metropolitan New York The "DIA Activist" News Letter can be found online at: http://largestminority.net/activist.html or https://www.disabledinaction.org/ The Largest Minority is a news, opinion and resource web site on issues of concern and interest to the community of people with a disability. It is produced in conjunction with Disabled In Action of Metropolitan New York. DIA Membership: A civil rights organization committed to ending discrimination against people with disabilities that believes in the motto, "Nothing about us without us!" Everyone is welcome. For Dues and Meeting information, please visit https://www.disabledinaction.org/ If you're on Twitter or Facebook - http://www.twitter.com/DIA_ New York https://www.facebook.com/ Disabled-In-Action-of- Metropolitan-New-York The DIA meetings are held at Selis Manor 135 W 23rd Street between 6th and 7th Avenues - 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. Come for lively discussion and brainstorming on changes we can make as well as learn what we have been up to and are planning to do to advance the cause of disability rights. In case of extremely bad weather, you can call the DIA phone number - 646-504-4342 - after 6pm the Saturday night before to find out if the meeting will be cancelled. Our meetings are usually held on the 1st Sunday of the month. We only do the second Sunday if a holiday falls right on that day or if there is a big NYC event that makes getting around extra difficult such as the marathon, or if the weather is impassable or dangerous. Our new phone number is 646-504-4342. Our new mailing address is Disabled In Action PO Box 1550, New York, NY 10159 Able Newspaper As March begins, we’re happy to share that the latest digital edition of Able News is now live! With expanded original reporting on wheelchair sports, transportation accessibility, local news, and more, you won’t want to miss this issue. We’re glad you’re part of our growing community as our journey continues under new editorial leadership at The Viscardi Center. Thank you for reading! With appreciation, Emily Ladau Editor, Able News https://ablenews.com/category/able-news-full-editions/ SUBMIT NEWS ITEMS TO ABLENEWS@VISCARDICENTER.ORG. Ablenews@viscardicenter.org Local Independent Living Centers • Bronx Independent Living Services, Inc. (BILS) 4419 Third Ave, #2C, Bronx, NY 10457 TEL 718 515-2800 x 116 / TTY 718 515-2803 / FAX 718 515-2844 • Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled (BCID) 27 Smith St, #200, Brooklyn, NY 11201 TEL 718 998-3000 / TTY 718 998-7406 / FAX 718 998-3743 • Center for Independence of the Disabled in NY (CID-NY) (Manhattan) 841 Broadway, #301, New York, NY 10003 TEL 212 674-2300 V / TTY 212-674–5619 / FAX 212-254-5953 • CID-NY/Queens - 137-02A Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354 Phone: 646-442-1520 / Sorenson VP 866-948-1064 / TTY 718-886-0427 / Fax 718-886-0428 • Harlem Independent Living Center (HILC) (Manhattan) 289 St. Nicholas Ave, #21 Lower Level, New York, NY 10027 TEL: 212-222–7122 / Sorenson VP 646-755-3092 / Relay 866-326-5876 / FAX 212-222-7199 / info@hilc.org • Staten Island Center for Independent Living (SIILC) 470 Castleton Ave, Staten Island, NY 10301 TEL 718-720-9016 / TTY 718-720-9870 / FAX 718-720-9664 • Long Island Center for Independent Living (LICIL) (Nassau Co) 3601 Hempstead Turnpike, #208, Levittown, NY 11756 TEL 516-796-0144 / TEL (Espanol) 516-796-6176 / TTY 516-796-0135 / FAX 516-796-0529 / licil@aol.com • Self Initiated Living Options, Inc. (SILO) (Suffolk Co) 2111 Lakeland Ave, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 TEL 631-880-7929 / TTY 631-654-8076 / FAX 631-946-6377 / contact@siloinc.org • Westchester Independent Living Center (WILC) (Westchester/White Plains) 200 Hamilton Ave, White Plains, NY 10601 TEL 914-682-3926 / TTY 914-682-0926 / Sorenson Video Phone 866-933 5390 / FAX 914-682-8518 • Westchester Disabled on the Move, Inc. (WDOM) Westchester/Yonkers) 984 No. Broadway, #L-10, Yonkers, NY 10701 TEL 914-968-4717 V & TTY / FAX 914-968-6137 Alternative Resources The following resources MAY help Consumers find new Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Candidates and manage the CDPAP. (Suggestions Welcome) Employment Kingsborough Comm. College, Marisa Joseph 2001 Oriental Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11235 marisa.joseph@kbcc.cuny.edu 718-368-5563 NYC Technical College Placement Office pdc@citytech.cuny.edu (718) 260-5050 Advertising Able Newspaper Cost $5 for each 5 word line (or part) – 30days Phone: 516-939-2253 www.ablenews.com Classified Ads, Cost Free http://www.classifiedads.com/post.php Craigslist, Cost $45.00 (30 days) http://newyork.craigslist.org/ Barefootstudent.com - $75 per month Employment site for recruiting college grads and nearby students. System Navigation Homecare Planning Solutions http://www.hpsny.org/learning-center/home-care/enroll-in-cdpap/ 718-215-0926 Assistance with enrolling in a CDPAP, or questions about CDPAP Call to speak with a specialist. Never any charge for their help Independent Consumer Advocacy Network (ICAN) ICAN helps people in New York’s Managed Care Plans Call (844) 614-8800 TTY Relay Service: 711 https://icannys.org/ Evelyn Frank Legal Resources Program Focus - Medicaid, Medicare, home care services, and public benefits issues affecting older adults & people with disabilities 212.613.7310 Monday through Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EFLRP@nylag.org Find My FI https://cdpaanys.org/findmyfi/ CDPAANYS recommends doing thorough research before selecting a fiscal intermediary. Wages, benefits, and programs can vary between providers. Your Medicaid service coordinator or plan care manager should provide you with a list of all options. The fiscal intermediaries listed on this site are current provider members of CDPAANYS. Our members have all been screened and interviewed before joining to ensure they operate according to the principles and philosophy of Consumer Direction. Your FI should never ask for your workers to sign a non-compete agreement. Questions to consider if changing your (FI) CDPAP Provider In addition to considering the items you already value such as personal recommendations, information contained in company advertisements, or other local factors; when considering a new CPAPA provider agency, you may wish to consider some of the following questions. Please note: the agency may choose not to answer any of your questions, but even that may help you to decide if the agency is a good fit for you and your circumstances. • Name of Agency • Address • Contact Person • Contact Telephone • Contact Email Address • Website • Counties Served • Managed Care Providers • Direct County or DSS Contracts • Number of Years Providing Home Care Services • Number of Years Providing Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services • Percent CDPAP Consumers verses total Home Care Consumers. • Will your agency be required to participate in the Electronic Visit Verification Program? • If I change between provider agencies will my service authorization change? • What is included in the PCA’s wage and benefit package? • Does the agency provide a recruitment assistance resource to help me attract new PCA’s? • Positions occupied by Consumers: 1. Service Recipients 2. Client Advisory Members 3. Board Members 4. Employees 5. Other • If Consumers are on the Board of Director, what percent of the Board is controlled by Consumers? • What are some of the reasons for becoming a CDPAP Provider Agency? 1. Is the program the corporation’s primary mission? 2. Does the program help the corporation achieve its goal of consumer empowerment? 3. Does the agency also serve offer traditional home care services? 4. Did the corporation choose to become a provider because the CDPAP provided a more cost-effective service solution for consumers with more complex service needs? 5. Did the corporation choose to become a provider because the CDPAP allow you to diversify your mix of services? 6. Did the corporation choose to become a provider because the CDPAP business model offered an opportunity that could benefit both the corporation and the consumers? 7. Other • What are some of the Problems with the CDPAP (Besides inadequate reimbursement)? 1. Does the model complicate the process of utilizing the corporation’s proven systems of quality and fiscal control? 2. Does the model facilitate and encourage Consumer fraud and abuse? 3. Does the model complicate the process of complying with and controlling new regulatory requirements, such as overtime, sleep-in, and joint employment? 4. Is it difficult to maintain a clear line of separation between agency and consumer responsibilities? 5. Does the consumer’s problem of locating suitable PCA’s, and managing the delivery of services create situations that are too difficult for some consumers? 6. Is it administratively difficult to manage the problem of collecting all the required PCA documents without compromising consumer independence or program liability? 7. Other • Why Should a Consumer choose your Agency? • Other Comments about your Agency